A MAN is angry that his privacy was invaded when a CCTV camera was installed to collect evidence against him by the police and Hillingdon Council.

Stan Bishop, 66, of Denecroft Crescent, Hillingdon, says the device was installed in his neighbour's home but overlooking his house, to prove that Mr Bishop was harassing him.

The battle between the neighbours has been going on for the past 10 years, but on April 24 Mr Bishop was cleared of harassment at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court. The camera was fitted last year, and operated from April to June.

Mr Bishop said: "When it was revealed in court that this camera was used I was absolutely shocked.

"I have nothing to hide, but it has made me angry they did this, working like spies. You can't just surveillance [sic] people like this.

"I live on my own, but then I have my grand-children coming here to visit me and I feel their privacy has been taken away as well.

"I'm angry because it didn't produce any evidence in court. My name has been cleared and yet my privacy has been invaded and there's nothing I can do about it."

He says he wrote to the the police asking for an apology three weeks ago but is still waiting for a reply.

Chief Inspector Maurice Hartnett, head of the safer neighbourhood initiative at Hillingdon Police, said: "Hillingdon Police are aware of the concerns of Mr Bishop. These will be investigated as are all public complaints.

"Police work together with the local authority to tackle anti-social behaviour, and at times the deployment of a CCTV camera may be a proportionate way of gathering evidence to prove or disprove an allegation.

"However, there are strict guidelines under the Regulatory Investigative Powers Act which have to be followed."